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WESTMINSTER BUSINESS SCHOOL
International in character and inclusive in nature, Westminster Business School reflects
London at its best - a dynamic metropolitan city, cosmopolitan in makeup and truly part of the
global business economy.
Westminster Business School has a long history of providing business education, having
been founded in 1997, but with its origins going back even further to the 1970s. It is now
among the largest UK University business schools. Recently it embarked upon an exciting
phase of development combining in 2009 with the former Harrow Business School.
The School now provides higher education for 4,000 students - from school leavers to senior
managers - working for qualifications ranging from full-time and part-time undergraduate
degrees, through taught Masters to MPhil and PhD research degrees. A significant
proportion of students are drawn from overseas, which provides a culturally diverse student
population that adds to the educational experience of all.
There is a staff base of nearly 200 permanent staff with extensive business, consultancy and
research achievements, and a pool of experienced visiting lecturers. A sizeable number of
staff come from international backgrounds, which adds to the credibility of teaching in an
increasingly global environment.
A number of international and professional accreditations are held by Westminster Business
School ranging from bodies such as the Association of MBAs, Chartered Institute of
Personnel and Development (one of their 11 national Centres of Excellence), ACCA, and the
Chartered Institute of Marketing. The School is engaged in applied research that is
internationally recognized, has three flagship research centres, and a strong group of PhD
students.
Undergraduate courses cover the fundamental business disciplines and encompass the
knowledge and skills essential for success in a rapidly changing business environment.
Further information on Westminster Business School can be found at:
www.westminster.ac.uk/wbs.
Modules
Westminster Business School offers modules from all six of its departments:
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Business Information Management and Operations
Economics and Quantitative Methods
Finance and Business Law
Human Resource Management
Leadership and Development
Marketing and Business Strategy
Please note that because of the specific nature of some or all of the subjects in these
departments, you must be prepared to demonstrate previous knowledge before you can
undertake certain modules and pay great attention to any pre-requisites (see section below).
Please note that the University of Westminster is unable to guarantee the availability of
the modules in this catalogue. All modules are subject to change, but are as accurate
as possible at the time of going to print.
Pre-requisites
As explained earlier in the module catalogue, please be aware that some modules at Level 5
and Level 6 may have a pre-requisite requirement for you to have already completed specific
modules or equivalents at a lower level.
e.g. BMKT611 Retailing
has a pre-requisite of BBUS402 Principles of Marketing or equivalent
As an Exchange Student, you are not expected to have taken the specific pre-requisite
requirement, but you must have studied a relevant or similar course / module in your home
country / institution. Some modules have co-requisites, which mean that the module and the
co-requisite must be taken at the same time.
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
Module
Title
Code
BKEY411 Professional Competences
Semester Level Credits
1
4
15
BBIM502 Project Management
1
5
15
BBIM504 Information Management
1
5
15
BBIM604 International Strategic Project Management
1
6
15
BBIM609 Ethical and Societal Implications of ICT
1
6
15
BBIM611 Strategic Web Design
1
6
15
BBIM614 Procurement
1
6
15
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND QUANTITATIVE METHODS
Module
Code
BKEY412 Business Context
Title
Semester Level
4
15
BEQM401 Quantitative Analysis of the Economic Environment Full Year
4
30
BEQM402 The London Economy
1
4
15
BBUS502 Making Management Decisions
1
5
15
BEQM501 Microeconomic Theory and Applications
1
5
15
BEQM502 Macroeconomic Analysis
1
5
15
BEQM503 Principles of Statistics
1
5
15
BEQM508 Public Economics
1
5
15
BEQM509 Financial Markets and Institutions
1
5
15
Full Year
6
30
BEQM602 Econometrics
1
6
15
BEQM604 Economic, Social and Market Research Methods
1
6
15
BEQM605 Business Forecasting
1
6
15
BEQM607 International Economics
1
6
15
BEQM609 Environmental Economics
1
6
15
BEQM601 Economic Theory and Policy
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND BUSINESS LAW
1
Credits
Module
Title
Code
BBUS403 Financial Information
Financial and Human Resource Management in
BBUS501
Organisations
BFBL502 Legal Aspects of Business
Semester Level
Credits
1
4
15
1
5
15
1
5
15
1
5
15
Full Year
5
30
BFBL506 Financial Securities Valuation
1
5
15
BFBL508 Behavioural Finance
1
5
15
BFBL510 Financial Reporting and Analysis
1
5
15
4FBL654 Financial Reporting and Analysis
1
6
15
4FBL656 European Union Law
1
6
15
4FBL657 International Trade and Finance Law
1
6
15
4FBL658 Consumer Law
1
6
15
4FBL661 Corporate Finance
1
6
15
4FBL665 Personal Financial Management
1
6
15
4FBL666 Modern Financial Services: Theory and Practice
1
6
15
BFBL504 Audit Principles and Practice
BFBL505 Financial Quantitative Methods
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Module
Title
Code
BHRM401 The Role of the Manager
Semester Level
Credits
1
4
15
BHRM501 Organisational Analysis and Behaviour
1
5
15
BHRM505 Sociology of Work and Industry
1
5
15
BHRM601 Human Resource Management
1
6
15
BHRM602 Business Flexicurity and the New Europe
1
6
15
BHRM604 Comparative International Management
1
6
15
DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT
Module
Title
Code
BBUS401 Perspectives on Organisations
Semester Level
Credits
1
4
15
BLDE504 Work Psychology
1
5
15
BLDE601 Assessment at Work
1
6
15
BLDE605 The Social Psychology of Organisations
1
6
15
BLDE606 Cultural Difference and People Management
1
6
15
DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING AND BUSINESS STATEGY
Module
Title
Code
BBUS402 Principles of Marketing
Semester Level
Credits
1
4
15
BBUS404 Behavioural Aspects of International Business
1
4
15
BBUS503 Value Creation for Customers
1
5
15
BMKT502 Marketing Research
1
5
15
BMKT503 Brand and Branding
1
5
15
BMKT504 Product Portfolio Management
1
5
15
BMKT506 The Global Markets
1
5
15
BMKT508 Marketing Communications Theory
1
5
15
BMKT510 Developing Practical Entrepreneurial Ideas
1
5
15
BKEY601 Strategic Business Perspectives
Full Year
6
30
BMKT601 Marketing Management Strategy
1
6
15
BMKT603 Marketing Communications
1
6
15
BMKT604 Cross Cultural Studies for Marketing
1
6
15
BMKT606 PR & Sales Promotions
1
6
15
BMKT607 Direct and Digital Marketing
1
6
15
BMKT611 Retailing
1
6
15
BMKT615 Entrepreneurship Theory to Practice
1
6
15
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCES
Module Code BKEY411 Level 4 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module allows students to develop a range of transferable and business skills through
independent and self-directed learning and reflection; develop an awareness of the limitations
of published information; develop competence in the application of selected quantitative
techniques relevant to the monitoring of the business environment and the management of
the organisation; develop competence in the selection and use of relevant software for the
presentation of information; and facilitate the enhancement of: cognitive intelligence (creative
and critical thinking); social intelligence (empathy, teamwork); emotional intelligence (selfawareness, self-management). The module uses active learning where students learn by
considering realistic business issues.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Module Code BBIM502 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Projects are the way modern businesses introduce change to an organisation. The module is
aimed at students interested in learning the important practical and technical skills needed to
successfully manage projects. Students will get a solid grounding in the theory and practice of
project management and, working on realistic case studies will have experience of managing
realistic projects, using project management computer software.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Module Code BBIM504 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
The module aims to assist the understanding of the role of information in organisations and
the consideration required for its active management. This involves the examination of the
role and provision of information in relation to business processes, to support decision-making
and the value-added activities. This exploration will take three interlinked views of
information; people, technical, and policy, recognising that a reorientation toward a holistic
business driven approach to information management, to support active management, is the
way forward for the modern enterprise.
INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Module Code BBIM604 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Although this module builds upon the knowledge within BBIM502 Project Management,
that module is not a pre-requisite for this module.
The module is aimed at final year students interested in developing their project management
skills. Effective project management is fundamental to the success of projects in all areas of
business. This module will be looking at project and programme management concepts in an
international and strategic context. The concepts within this module include planning,
development life-cycles, scheduling, client and supplier management, team management and
strategic use of projects within organizations. Project management methodologies, such as
PRINCE2, DSDM Atern will be examined and provide the student with a useful understanding
of their use within project/programme management. The module attempts to provide a handson learning experience for project management and would provide a useful foundation for
future study towards a PRINCE2 qualification.
ETHICAL AND SOCIETAL IMPLICATIONS OF ICT
Module Code BBIM609 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
The spread of information technology has resulted in far reaching ethical, political and social
consequences. This module seeks to explore these issues and will cover a wide range of
topics including: the ethics of information technology; the digital divide; information technology
in the Third World; the role of the state in the development of IT; the costs and benefits of the
information super-highway; database and privacy issues; censorship and control of
information; IT in education; notions of information rich and information poor both within and
between countries; ICT and gender; social networks, and corporate social responsibility.
STRATEGIC WEB DESIGN
Module Code BBIM611 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
The purpose of the module is to provide students with a comprehensive insight of the
strategic aspects of web design, and the knowledge and skills to design and develop an
interactive commercial website. The module addresses legal aspects and security issues and
emphasises how an organisation’s web presence is a strategic consideration that needs to be
fully aligned with organisational strategy and business objectives.
PROCUREMENT
Module Code BBIM614 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
The module is for students to gain knowledge of procurement generally and purchasing in the
organisation’s supply chain with sustainable practice in procurement at the heart of the
module. The module covers the purchasing management process, definitions of sustainable
procurement and development of successful teams in sustainable purchasing and supply.
The differences between public and private sectors is addressed and the implementation of
sustainable procurement policy and operation of this.
The module develops students
understanding of technology in e-procurement. Sustainability and collaborative relationships
in the international supply chain are also covered. The module is aimed at students seeking
future employment in procurement, for example buyers or purchasing administration.
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND QUANTITATIVE METHODS
BUSINESS CONTEXT
Module Code BKEY412 Level 4 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module allows students to explore the economic, technological, social, political, legal and
ethical contexts in which business organisations operate. The module uses problem-based
learning where students learn by considering realistic problems, identify appropriate
theoretical concepts and principles, and apply these to the analysis of the problem in order to
draw practical conclusions.
QUANTATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
Module Code BEQM401 Level 4 Credit 30 Full Year
The module adopts a twin focus to the topics covered. On the one hand, it is necessary for
students to develop the appropriate skills to be able to solve an economic/business problem.
On the other hand, it is also necessary to develop a critical understanding of the applicability
of the techniques and methods covered. Appropriate areas of application will be drawn upon
for the latter purposes, mainly from economics.
THE LONDON ECONOMY
Module Code BEQM402 Level 4 Credit 15 Semester 1
Using a series of case studies, this module explores some important features of the
contemporary London Economy, including the city’s financial sector, labour market, art and
cultural institutions, the tourist industry and transport. It uses economics as a framework of
analysis, but is non-technical in approach and assumes no prior knowledge of the subject.
MAKING MANAGEMENT DECISIONS
Module Code BBUS502 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisites: BKEY401 Professional Competences and BKEY402 Business Context
or equivalent
This module offers an integrated and holistic approach to management decision making,
drawing on and extending material from a variety of business disciplines, with the ultimate aim
of improving student decision making skills. The sequence of topics aims to replicate the key
steps in the decision making process. Thus we consider, in turn, decision identification and
diagnosis; researching decision alternatives and choosing a course of action; analysing the
likely impact of risk and uncertainty and its mitigation and how this can be best managed,
and, finally, the issues and concerns that arise when decisions need to be implemented.
MICROECONOMIC THEORY AND APPLICATIONS
Module Code BEQM501 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisites: BEQM401 Analysis of the Economic Environment and BKEY402
Business Context or equivalent
Over the last 20 years, there have been significant developments in areas of microeconomic
policy, such as privatisation and competition policy. There are also currently a number of key
corporate governance matters under discussion that are likely to have important implications
for the relationships between the main stakeholders of firms and for corporate objectives. In
order to appreciate the key factors involved in these and other microeconomic issues, it is
necessary to develop an understanding of the conceptual tools and underlying analytical
framework and how it can be applied to particular situations. This involves exploring the
fundamental decisions made by economic agents as producers, consumers and suppliers of
factors of production.
MACROECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Module Code BEQM502 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisites: BEQM401 Analysis of the Economic Environment and BKEY402
Business Context or equivalent
This module builds on the macroeconomics encountered at Level 4. The object of this module
is to broaden and develop student understanding of the main macroeconomic models, and to
help them learn to actively use the macroeconomic principles developed in the lectures. The
applications set out to show by example how macroeconomic concepts can be used to
understand real-world issues.
PRINCIPLES OF STATISTICS
Module Code BEQM503 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BEQM401 Analysis of the Economic Environment or equivalent
The module will provide an overview of the theory of statistical inference and will develop a
range of applications within which this theory can be applied. Both parametric and nonparametric methods will be covered, but emphasis will be placed on parametric methods.
The development of the regression model will be of particular importance within the module,
emphasising the applications of the model within a causal modelling context and the manner
in which the model can be used for prediction/forecasting purposes.
PUBLIC ECONOMICS
Module Code BEQM508 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BKEY402 Business Context or equivalent
In a modern economy, almost all decisions of businesses and consumers are influenced by
state policies, and this influence is growing: While in the 1920’s, government expenditure in
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was only 20%, we now see public spending accounting for
44% in the UK (2005). In the Nordic States, governments spend up to 60% of the GDP. This
module studies the microeconomic and macroeconomic foundations of state activities, how
such principles have shaped the design of particular economic policies and what effects
government policies have on the economy. By the end of the module, students understand
the reasons for and the extent of government interventions and how businesses and
households make decisions in a modern welfare state.
FINANCIAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS
Module Code BEQM509 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BKEY402 Business Context or equivalent
The importance of financial markets, institutions and instruments to the successful operation
of a modern economy has grown markedly during recent history. This module introduces
students to important theoretical issues such as theories of regulation and interest rate
determination, and provides a comprehensive coverage of the operation and characteristics
of financial markets and institutions. The module considers and analyses a range of financial
products as well as addressing the causes and impacts of financial crises on different
economies.
ECONOMIC THEORY AND POLICY
Module Code BEQM601 Level 6 Credit 30 Full Year
Pre-requisites: BEQM501 Microeconomic Theory and Applications, BEQM502
Macroeconomic Analysis, BEQM503 Principles of Statistics
The module will cover topics in both microeconomics and macroeconomics. Coverage is
mainly of economic theory, but with a particular emphasis on the application of theory to
policy applications. This module aims to provide students with the economic analysis needed
to understand the behaviour of individual markets and the macro-economy, particularly in
relation to assessments of performance and policy applications. The module shows how the
tools of micro and macroeconomic analysis can be used to evaluate contemporary issues
related to economic performance and the design of economic policy, particularly in an
international environment.
ECONOMETRICS
Module Code BEQM602 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BEQM503 Principles of Statistics or equivalent
This module is designed to broaden students’ knowledge about statistical techniques and
methods that can be used to analyse data in economics, finance and business. The module
aims to enable students to extend their knowledge of statistics acquired at Level 5; to give a
reasonably comprehensive picture of a number of basic econometric techniques; and to
enhance students’ knowledge concerning the use of the econometric software Eviews.
ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND MARKET RESEARCH METHODS
Module Code BEQM604 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BEQM503 Principles of Statistics or equivalent
The module first examines the place of quantitative and qualitative research methods in
Economics, Marketing and Social Research areas. It then goes on to, measurement and
scaling, design of experiments (ANOVA), multivariate techniques ranging from discriminate
analysis, cluster analysis, factor analysis, and conjoint analysis to perceptual mapping. Finally
it moves to logistic and log-linear regression via the concepts of generalised linear models. All
the techniques will address the impact of the current economic climate on the analysis. The
application of these techniques to ‘real life time data’ using advanced features of statistical
software package such as SPSS will add value to students analytic skills particularly those
wishing to embark on careers in the field of marketing and social research.
BUSINESS FORECASTING
Module Code BEQM605 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BEQM503 Principles of Statistics or equivalent
This module provides an insight into the major methods of forecasting in business and
finance. In addition to considering the theoretical aspects of the methods, students will gain
practical experience of applying some of the most commonly used procedures to real life
data. This will be achieved not only by using on line data, but students will also be exposed to
the Bloomberg system in the Financial Marketing Suite (FMS) at WBS.
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS
Module Code BEQM607 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BEQM504 Principles of Economics or equivalent
This module will broaden students' knowledge and extend their understanding of theoretical
concepts in international trade, investment and finance. It will enhance students'
understanding of the reasons for international specialisation, the implications of protection for
economic welfare, and the effect of various macroeconomic policies on international markets.
ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS
Module Code BEQM609 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BEQM504 Principles of Economics or equivalent
This module deals with the economic approach to environmental issues and sustainable
development. Using the framework of welfare economics this module will address
environmental issues such as pollution and climate change. The theoretical foundation is
supplemented by analysis of national and international policies using case studies such as
congestion charging and emissions trading.
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND BUSINESS LAW
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Module Code BBUS403 Level 4 Credit 15 Semester 1
The module provides fundamental accounting and financial knowledge, essential skills for any
business manager. It focuses on the purpose and relevance of accounting in business
management and the use of accounting and financial techniques, to enable an analysis of
business financial performance. It provides an introduction to financial resource management
and the role of capital markets.
FINANCIAL AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN ORGANISATIONS
Module Code BBUS501 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BBUS403 Financial Information or equivalent
The module introduces students to the challenges of defining goals and assessing
effectiveness in organisations, control and performance measurement and organizational and
financial planning. Human Resource Management (HRM) models of assessment as well as
accounting tools such as budgets used by managers to plan and control, and influences on
metrics in organisations will be critically examined. The module draws on theory and practice
from both Management Accounting and Human Resource Management.
LEGAL ASPECTS OF BUSINESS
Module Code BFBL502 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
The sources of business law within the U.K. legal system, the principles of contract law, legal
characteristics of important business contracts, the law of negligence with particular
application to business. The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the
law relevant to the operation of business; to create an awareness and understanding of areas
of substantive law within a business context; to demonstrate, through the use of relevant
business scenarios, the application of the law to various practical situations; to allow students
to apply their learning to analysing the legal context of various business scenarios; and to
enable students to develop a critical understanding of the law so as to be able to apply it to
the business environment.
AUDIT PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE
Module Code BFBL504 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
An introduction to auditing as a key component of the capitalist system, concentrating on both
the underlying theory and the practical application of auditing. The nature, purpose, and
execution of the audit role are explored at a practical, theoretical, and a developmental level.
This module is designed both for students who may wish to pursue a career in auditing and
those wishing to broaden their financial and business skills by gaining an appreciation of this
important business function. It is designed to provide students with an understanding of how
auditing integrates financial accounting into credible business reporting for the users of
financial statements. The module seeks to test the student’s ability to understand and apply
auditing concepts and objectives in accordance both with the requirements of Company law
and International Auditing Standards.
FINANCIAL QUANTITATIVE METHODS
Module Code BFBL505 Level 5 Credit 30 Full Year
This module provides basic mathematical and financial statistical techniques relevant to
finance. The aim is to show how these techniques work and their applications to various
areas of finance such as financial markets, investment decisions and risk management.
Emphasis is given to calculus, linear algebra, probability theory, summary statistics,
regression analysis and empirical applications in finance.
FINANCIAL SECURITIES VALUATION
Module Code BFBL506 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
The module is designed to develop students’ understanding of financial securities valuation
themes. It covers a series of topics on financial asset classes and the various theories related
to valuation of equities, bonds and financial derivatives. The module provides students with a
broad knowledge of equity based and fixed income securities and their impact on portfolio
management.
BEHAVIOURAL FINANCE
Module Code BFBL508 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module provides a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of cognitive theory and its
impact on decisions made by investors. Given that this is a new field, particular emphasis in
this module will be on historical developments. Descriptive decision theory, especially
psychology, will provide behavioural explanations for the overall reaction and outcomes we
see in markets. A number of these seem irrational, but over time can be explained by nonfinancial factors relating to investor psychology and behaviour. Students will be exposed to
new ideas and theory in this emergent field. Often the contexts of markets analysis will be
complex and unpredictable.
FINANCIAL REPORTING AND ANALYSIS
Module Code BFBL510 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BBUS403 Financial Information or equivalent
The module focuses on the use of corporate reports as a primary source of information about
company activities and looks at how a range of users can utilise these to assess financial
position, financial performance and evaluate future prospects of the company. It also
considers issues affecting corporate reporting such as the regulatory framework, governance
and the wider business context.
FINANCIAL REPORTING AND ANALYSIS
Module Code 4FBL654 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-Requisite: 4FBL450 Introduction to Accounting and Finance or equivalent
The module provides an understanding of advanced financial reporting issues which will
equip students moving out into the business world with the skills to interpret corporate reports
and use them effectively within the context of the total business environment. Although the
emphasis is on the needs of future managers, investors or analysts rather than specialist
preparers of financial statements, the underlying financial reporting process is also examined,
in order to provide a background for the informed use of accounting information.
EUROPEAN UNION LAW
Module Code 4FBL656 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module enables you to understand the working of the European Union, and the impact of
European Union law upon business. The role of EU institutions and the effect of EU law upon
the legal systems of member states are considered. The importance of the single market
policies relating to goods, persons and services is explored. The module also covers the
impact of EU social policy (especially sex discrimination) and EU competition policy upon
business activity.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCE LAW
Module Code 4FBL657 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module aims to enable you to understand the law relating to international trade and
finance, in the context of the complex interactions of legal relationships relating to the sale of
goods and services in an international trading transaction in a global market economy. Areas
covered include the rationale for international trade and finance law, international institutions
and legislation; as well as sources and specific areas of international trade and finance law.
CONSUMER LAW
Module Code 4FBL658 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module introduces you to the rationales for consumer law and consumer protection, the
institutions of consumer protection and specific areas of consumer law. The module should
enable the student to understand the law relating to consumer protection, the context of
consumer law in a modern market economy, the rationales for consumer law, and protection
and its goals.
CORPORATE FINANCE
Module Code 4FBL661 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-Requisite: 4FBL450 Introduction to Accounting and Finance
This module is a specialised final level undergraduate module designed to prepare students
for a career in the accounting or finance world or to give students a thorough understanding of
the finance decisions faced by organisations. The module introduces students to modern
finance theory. It covers the areas of capital structure, traditional and Modigliani and Miller,
Efficient Market Hypothesis, term structure of interest rates and the use of financial derivative
securities, futures, forwards, options and swaps to manage the financial risks faced by
modern business.
PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Module Code 4FBL665 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
The module reviews the current environment of UK financial services, from the perspective of
the individual. The module provides detailed knowledge about investment, borrowing,
insurance and pension planning decisions in retail financial services and considers the UK
taxation implications of financial service planning for individuals. The purpose of the module is
to equip students with the skills to make personal financial management decisions and
support their decisions with practical evidence. Practical investment techniques and financial
theory are taught. There is an emphasis on decision making, as students are encouraged to
adopt the professional stance of the independent financial adviser.
MODERN FINANCIAL SERVICES: THEORY AND PRACTICE
Module Code 4FBL666 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
The module reviews the current environment of UK financial services, looking at the
development of financial services in the UK since 1980. The module uses banking theory as
well as practice, real world examples and computation, to explain the current environment
and new developments. The module considers both the external environment of banks and
nonbanks, looking at the opportunities and threats offered by the environment as well as how
banks are managed from an internal perspective. On completion of the module, graduate
students are equipped with a working knowledge of UK financial services.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
THE ROLE OF THE MANAGER
Module Code BHRM401 Level 4 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module is intended to prepare students for managerial roles and, as such, deals with the
core skills involved in management. These include delegation, managerial style, chairing
meetings, staff counselling, staff development, identifying and managing conflict and
negotiating skills. The module aims to help students identify how people become managers,
what the role of the manager is and how to maximise effectiveness in that role. Real-life
examples are offered throughout, with the variations in styles of management required by
different organisations and different cultures taken into consideration.
ORGANISATIONAL ANALYSIS AND BEHAVIOUR
Module Code BHRM501 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BBUS401 Perspectives on Behaviour in Organisations
The module explores Organisational Behaviour and Analysis related topics, taking into
account the economic, social and political context within which organisations operate. The
aim of this module is to put organisational analysis at centre stage. The module will convey to
students the importance of macro organisational processes for the experience of work of both
managers and employees, taking into account constraining and enabling structures within the
economic, social and political context. An analysis of the key theories, concepts and empirical
evidence about contemporary work organisations will provide students with the basic
analytical tools for understanding why the workplace is a domain of discord as much as
harmony, of paradox just as much as rationality, and of frustration just as much as
satisfaction.
SOCIOLOGY OF WORK AND INDUSTRY
Module Code BHRM505 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
The Sociology of Work and Industry seeks to foster an understanding of the manifold
relationships between macro-economic change and the social organisation of work.
Beginning with a brief look at the rise of paid employment as societies industrialise, the
module moves to its principal focus: the relationship between changing technology and the
experience of work. In the light of this focus, a range of work situations are examined and
their development discussed.
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Module Code BHRM601 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Effective management of human resources is essential if an organisation is to survive and
achieve its overall purpose at optimum cost. Organisations need to be flexible to adapt to
change and competition, which requires flexibility in resources, ways of working, skills,
contracts etc. Employment law is constantly changing and ICT enables human resources to
be located anywhere in the world. Human Resource Management is therefore increasing in
complexity and line managers and HRM specialists need to know how to acquire, deploy,
motivate and develop people. The ethos of the module is to ‘capture the hearts and minds’ of
students and to create the conditions for students to be self motivated (as in ‘good practice’
within organisations) so that they spend sufficient time doing the right things, in the right way,
at their own volition. Students will have the opportunity to develop their depth of knowledge
about the changes taking place in the workplace, the relationship of Human Resource
Management to organisational strategy, including issues relating to strategic human resource
management and planning, job design and motivation, employee resourcing, retention,
performance management, managing diversity, employee development, employee
involvement and how these issues are all interlinked.
BUSINSESS FLEXICURITY AND THE NEW EUROPE
Module Code BHRM602 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Should not take if have already taken BEQM507 The European Business Environment
or equivalent.
The module will examine some of the major contemporary European business and
employment and recruitment issues e.g. flexicurity and place them in their social and political
context. The module will seek to examine the context in which business in Europe operates. It
will critically evaluate some of the major contemporary business, social and political issues and
analyse their impact upon business. The module will also attempt to analyse the interrelationship
between business and these wider issues..
COMPARATIVE INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT
Module Code BHRM604 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module is intended to develop the student's ability to critically analyse issues in
comparative international management. The module focuses on institutional approaches to
comparative international management, particularly that of varieties of capitalism and its
distinction between Liberal Market and Coordinated Market Economies. It covers topics
including: the nature of corporations and the expansion of multinationals; comparative
corporate governance; comparative production systems and worker participation; comparative
worker representation; and critical analysis of the globalisation of the international economy.
DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT
PERSPECTIVES ON ORGANISATIONS
Module Code BBUS401 Level 4 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module cannot be taken with BBUS404 Behavioural Aspects of International
Business.
The module has 4 themes: the social process of joining an organisation; work and private life;
identity and negotiating difference; and constraints and creativity. The module draws on the
insights from organisational behaviour - specifically from the psychological and sociological
parts of organisational behaviour - to explore these themes at an introductory level.
WORK PSYCHOLOGY
Module Code BLDE504 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module explores the different psychological theories and their application in
organisational settings. It examines the main perspectives of psychology (Psychodynamic,
Behaviourist, Humanistic, Cognitive and Trait and Type theory) and explains different
methodological approaches to research and application of work psychology. It will examine
the relevance of psychology in the workplace and show how use of theory can be applied to
organisational situations, for example in: personality testing, discrimination in the workplace,
career management, stress and well-being in the workplace, relationships at work and
training and group decision making.
ASSESSMENT AT WORK
Module Code BLDE601 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module is concerned with a critical survey of the methods employed by organisations to
assess people at work, for selection and development purposes. It examines good practice in
terms of professional and legal requirement and ethical considerations. It is practically based,
encouraging students to actively partake in a variety of assessment methods, and critically
appraise their design, administration, interpretation and application, to real assessment
problems and issues.
THE SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF ORGANISATIONS
Module Code BLDE605 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
An in-depth analysis of the area of social psychology as applied to business and management
problems and issues. It critically explores the way that psychological theory has informed HR
practice, especially in the area of team building, change management and organisational
development. The module critically examines empirical research in this area, and explores the
main theoretical underpinnings that have informed the development of social psychology.
CULTURAL DIFFERENCE AND PEOPLE MANAGEMENT
Module Code BLDE606 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BBUS401 Perspectives on Behaviour in Organisations
The course aims to provide a useful base for working and managing in multicultural settings.
It focuses on national cultural differences, particularly in relation to different ideas of
management and organisations. It aims to draw on students’ lived experience of culture to
make sense of the organisational literature on cultural differences.
DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING AND BUSINESS STATEGY
PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING
Module Code BBUS402 Level 4 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module cannot be taken with BBUS404 Behavioural Aspects of International
Business.
This module provides students with a broad introduction to marketing and its role in business
and society today, providing students with an overview of the principles underpinning
marketing activities. The role of marketing in responding to and shaping major social and
environmental issues also will be examined. The module aims to introduce the key concept of
marketing, an understanding of consumer behaviour, and an evaluation and application of
marketing tools.
BEHAVIOURAL ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Module Code BBUS404 Level 4 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module cannot be taken with BBUS401 Perspectives on Organisations or
BBUS402 Principles of Marketing.
This module uses fundamental sociological and psychological theory to examine human
behaviour on the individual and group levels expressed in business and organisations and as
consumers. These concepts are assimilated into further examination of the marketing
activities of businesses and organisations. The module seeks to enable students to
appreciate the psychological and social forces at the core of employee and consumer buyer
behaviour (CBB) and the importance of CBB in marketing and marketing communication; and
to enable students to understand the principles and processes underlying the marketing of
products.
VALUE CREATION FOR CUSTOMERS
Module Code BBUS503 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BBUS402 Principles of Marketing or equivalent
The module will focus on the inter-relationships between a company’s market position, the
nature of its products and services and the design and management of its operations. It
explores the impact of marketing and operational decisions on financial performance. The
concept of the Value Chain is a key tool used to aid student understanding.
MARKETING RESEARCH
Module Code BMKT502 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BBUS402 Principles of Marketing or equivalent
The use of information to minimise risk in decision making. The skills involved in the steps of
research from determining the purpose, the population of interest, the procedures to use and
how to present results. The use of both secondary and primary data sets; qualitative and
quantitative tools; and application in different contexts. Students practice active learning,
problem solving, and autonomy. Provides marketing knowledge and transferable skills
required for professional marketers.
BRAND AND BRANDING
Module Code BMKT503 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
A key asset and source of competitive advantage to modern firms and organizations is the
portfolio of brands that they own. This module provides students with a thorough grounding in
branding, giving not only an understanding of the fundamental importance and role of brands
in the modern business and marketing world but also a set of tools to help them extract the
maximum benefit and enjoyment from their subsequent business and marketing studies.
PRODUCT PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Module Code BMKT504 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: Evidence of Level 4 Marketing module or equivalent
Organisations need a healthy portfolio of products (goods or services) for long term survival.
This module critically and theoretically reviews the management of an organisation’s product
portfolio and its linkages within the marketing mix, from the generation of new product ideas,
through design and development, branding and pricing strategy, to the launch, promotion and
nurturing of the product throughout its life cycle until eventual elimination.
THE GLOBAL MARKETS
Module Code BMKT506 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: Evidence of Level 4 Business modules or equivalent
This module examines the impact of globalization on business activity, consumer markets,
and politico-economic developments. Identify the historical processes that contributed to
globalisation. It will explore the impacts of globalisation, examining the role of political
economy and the impact of international organisations such as the WTO and the EU on
globalisation; explore the impact of FDI and other modes of entry on the expansion of
businesses in host countries. Examine the role of differential culture and mass culture in
global business; and explain and critically examine major issues in international business and
global strategy.
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS THEORY
Module Code BMKT508 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BBUS402 Principles of Marketing or equivalent
The cornerstones of good marketing communications are target audience, message and
media, with integration and interactivity being crucial requirements. The context within which
these are set is dynamic and all have been exposed to change: consumers live in an
information-obsessed, media-saturated world with an incredible choice of brands; the impact
of technology has altered the way we see, read and process communication messages; and
the need to engage audiences with a compelling message is absolutely critical to successful
marketing communications.
DEVELOPING PRACTICAL ENTREPRENEURIAL IDEAS
Module Code BMKT510 Level 5 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module involves transferable soft and hard business skills focused on micro and small
organisations. It will be based on Action Learning teaching methodologies. Specific
transferable skills such as maintaining and developing cash flows, competitor analysis and
using target markets to develop cost/benefited promotions will be critically developed. A wide
range of transferable communication skills will be practiced in group work, individual work and
where possible working with outside organisations. Various software and hardware programs
and platforms will be used as appropriate.
STRATEGIC BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES
Module Code BKEY601 Level 6 Credit 30 Full Year
Pre-requisites: BKEY402 Business Context and BKEY501 Business Research and
Professional Practice or equivalent
This module addresses organizational strategy as practiced at ‘Strategic Business Unit’ (SBU)
level. Three main elements are covered: the nature and practice of strategy; the impacts of
this on organisations; the impact of ethical considerations on organization strategy. The
module aims to enable students to critically analyse the strategies of business and other
types of organisations and assess how those strategies provide competitive advantage and
add value; to show how the strategies of organisation both build on and integrate the main
business areas such as marketing, human resources, accounting, information management
and economics as well as providing direction to these areas; and to facilitate the application of
the theory of organization strategy to ‘real world’ organizations though the analysis of case
studies and business simulations.
MARKETING MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGY
Module Code BMKT601 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BBUS402 Principles of Marketing or equivalent
The ultimate aim both of a marketer and of marketing is to satisfy consumers’ needs and
wants. Consumers’ worldwide share many common features yet display a unique response
when such common elements are combined. After the waves of both ‘globalization’ and
‘www’ hit the shores of the world, the role as well as thinking related to management of
marketing strategy has changed from the domestic to international to global and now ‘glocal’.
Yet, as globalisation continues, the need for creating and maintaining relationships between
customers, suppliers, stakeholders and personnel has become increasingly important in
today’s business environment. The marketing modules at levels 4 and 5 provided a basic
understanding of what marketing is about and introduced the learner to the conceptual
frameworks, tools and models that shape marketing decision-making. The BMKT601
Management of Marketing Strategy module goes further, delving deeper into the processes
involved in the management of marketing and marketing strategy. It additionally aims to
develop the wider knowledge and skills of marketing needed to manage successfully in any
organisation which has intercultural contacts. This is not limited to global organisations, but
includes organisations that deal with staff or other stakeholders with different national
cultures.
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
Module Code BMKT603 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BBUS402 Principles of Marketing or equivalent
Marketing communications together are one of the four key ingredients of marketing strategy
identified by Culliton (1948) to describe the role of a marketing manager. Borden (1953)
called this the “marketing mix”, and McCarthy (1960) listed the ingredients of this mix as the
Four Ps. The “P” that stands for Marketing Communications itself is further subdivided into the
Marketing Communications Mix: as advertising, sales promotion, PR, personal selling, and
direct marketing. This module covers these areas and more recent developments. It provides
the theoretical and practical foundations of marketing communications by considering their
role and function within business organisations; their evolution over the past ten to fifteen
years; planning the marketing communications process; and the analysis of marketing
communications dynamics as a prelude to planning and execution. It considers marketing
communications from a consumer’s point of view as well as from an organisational
perspective. It considers the importance and benefits of integrated marketing
communications. It explains how organisations interact with media agencies. Finally the
module presents models for measuring the success rate in evaluating the overall
communication process and individual marketing communications programmes.
CROSS CULTURAL STUDIES FOR MARKETING
Module Code BMKT604 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BBUS402 Principles of Marketing or equivalent
This module examines how marketing managers must adapt to cultural diversity in
international and increasingly in domestic marketing. Different cultural and sub-cultural
contexts are explored alongside the implications for different functions within the marketing
role. Students practice active learning, problem solving, and autonomy. Provides marketing
knowledge and transferable skills required for professional marketers.
PR & SALES PROMOTIONS
Module Code BMKT606 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
With media channels becoming more and more fragmented and consumers increasingly able
to filter-out unwanted and intrusive advertising, the nature of marketing communications is
changing. As we enter an era when manufacturers and consumers will have ‘dialogues’ and
brand reputations will be formed on social networks, this module aims to provide students
undertaking broad based business degrees or specialist marketing degrees with a detailed
understanding of how public relations and promotional marketing (sales promotion) can be
applied to communicate marketing messages across multi-channel media - whilst ensuring
consistency and engagement with the consumer. This module provides students with an
important understanding of how traditional theories of reputation management and models of
consumer choice can be applied to aspects of brand management and how the rapidly
changing media environment will see them play an increasingly important role.
DIRECT AND DIGITAL MARKETING
Module Code BMKT607 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BMKT508 Marketing Communications Theory or equivalent
Covers the role of direct and digital marketing in modern marketing practice. In particular, the
evolution of direct marketing, acquisition and retention of customers, database and interactive
marketing (e.g. digital media, mobile marketing, social networking). The module gives the
student the opportunity to participate in a role play of a direct marketing agency. Combines
theoretical issues with practical applications in campaign planning via the use of ‘real’ case
studies.
RETAILING
Module Code BMKT611 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
Pre-requisite: BBUS402 Principles of Marketing or equivalent
This module provides a comprehensive appreciation of retailing in its competitive
environment. The aim of this module is to give a depth of understanding of retailing at the
strategic and store levels in different retail sectors. The module gives broad insight into the
range of strategic options available to retailers and stresses the central importance of
positioning and store image in gaining competitive advantage and customer loyalty. The
module aims to show how management of the individual elements of the retail mix contributes
to the delivery of the positioning in different retail sectors.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP THEORY TO PRACTICE
Module Code BMKT615 Level 6 Credit 15 Semester 1
This module involves a range of business theories that need to be applied in practical
environments as appropriate. It also involves communication, research and use of IT skills.
Students will required to research and suggest implementation practices in response to
specific business scenarios using text, slide and verbal communication as appropriate. Action
Learning techniques will be used through out.